Coach Rick’s ENC Phenom 150 Break Out Players
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to the JD Lewis Center in Raleigh, North Carolina to host the inaugural Eastern North Carolina Phenom 150 camp. The gym was absolutely filled with quality talent and the overall depth from top to bottom was terrific. There were many outstanding performances by the players throughout the day. See Coach Rick’s ENC Phenom 150 Super Six and More https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/coach-ricks-enc-phenom-150-super-six-and-more/
Now, let’s take a closer look at the “break out” players at the ENC Phenom 150
6’2 2020 Shaylen Woodberry (Mt. Tabor HS, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The 6’2 southpaw is a silky smooth shooting guard. Shaylen Woodberry has tremendous range, proper shooting mechanics and technique and has the ability to knock down 3-pointers with efficiency. Woodberry does an excellent job of getting his feet properly set and has tremendous balance in the “catch and shoot” situation and has a good first step off the dribble/bounce. Woodberry started a little slow but quickly warmed up midway through the first game.
6’3 2021 AK Holden (Henderson Collegiate, Henderson, North Carolina)
In their second year of high school basketball existence, Henderson Collegiate lost in the NCHSAA 2A state championship game with the two recruiting names being Kaleb Matthews and Javonte Waverly and rightfully so. Since then, Holden has quietly gone about his business doing positive things on both ends of the court. Being a superb leaper and quick twitch reaction, Holden is now establishing himself as a scholarship worthy prospect. We’re talking about a high energy, positive, kinetic and bouncy wing that runs the floor, defends, grabs rebounds, blocks shots and loves to punish the rims. Holden play in stations and throughout the day earned him the camp’s Mr. Hustle Award.
5’11 2022 Gunner Walters (Mt. Tabor HS, Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
This was our first viewing of 5’11 sophomore Gunner Walters and we definitely loved what we saw. We’re talking about a crafty and cagey ball wizard with tremendous court vision and advanced passing skills. Every move, every dribble is strategically done to set up teammates for open looks and shots. While the playmaking point guard sees the game one step of his teammates and the opposition. Walters also picks his spots for scoring opportunities, Walters has the ability to score from multiple spots on the floor. That being said, Walters changes speeds very effectively and a knack of constantly getting into the lane. He averaged 10.2 PPG and probably led the camp in assists which allowed him to be selected Mr. Playmaker.
6’1 2022 Nik Graves (Durham Academy, Durham, North Carolina)
Playing as a freshman on a strong Durham Academy team that featured nationally ranked MJ Rice, we knew of the playmaking abilities of Nik Graves. We’re talking about a high IQ, crafty and fundamentally sound point guard that plays with poise and maturity. Simply stated, Graves understands and thinks the game and is a true floor general and coach on the court. That being said, Graves is also a reliable scorer and has a tremendous balance of scoring and getting his teammates involved in the game. Graves averaged 10.2 PPG and was one of the better all around players for the day. Look for a huge breakout season for the sophomore.
5’11 2021 Tyler Gill (Trinity Raleigh, Raleigh, North Carolina)
Too often, we judge a player by his offensive production and yes 5’11 Tyler Gill is an efficient and efficient “offensive” point guard. He is jet quick and has a burst of speed in the open court and gets to the rim as fast as any point guard in the state regardless of class. In addition, Gill does an excellent job of changing speeds with the hesitation and stop and go dribble. He is constantly getting opposing defenders off balance and to gets out of their defensive position. These are all strong attributes, but it was his defensive abilities that made the greatest impressive. We’re talking about a “ball hawking” point guard that will pick you up the length of the court. Gill has strong, powerful legs and sports tremendous lateral quickness which makes him one of the better two-way point guards in the state for his class.
